Part two of the fascinating 2024 FIM World Sidecarcross Championship season kicks off in Lommel, Belgium over, next weekend 29-30 June.
Words by Barry Nutley – Images by WSC
Round five in Poland saw the young Latvian series leaders once again show a clean pair of heels to more mature and established opposition as they stretched their points lead to eighteen over reigning champions Marvin Vanluchene and Glenn Janssens.
Marvin is the first to admit he is missing a fraction on speed and will not be relishing the prospect of the deep sand of Lommel. Once again, he candidly states it is not his favourite type of going.
Just five points separate Killian and Evan Prunier in third from Koen Hermans/Ben van den Bogaart, who once again had a determined but eventful ride last time out, making the Gdansk podium behind Vanluchene and the Lielbardis twins.
French Champions the Pruniers, are only five points ahead of Hermans in the standings, with Brett Wilkinson/Joe Millard dropping off the lead group, but still a strong fifth.
Improvements by Jason van Daele/Loet van der Putten and the Leferink brothers Tim and Sem sees a close battle within the top eight, with Tim Prummer/Rodolphe Lebreton now eighth after a scary start-line crash in Gdansk. Early fears of a broken leg or torn muscles were dismissed after a hospital visit, and Tim has indicated he will be on the gate in Lommel. That is indeed good news, as he, along with many of the afore-mentioned name represent the future of the sport.
Add to that list Benny Weiss and Patrick Schneider. The Austrians have shown a terrific turn of speed and are more than capable of running at the front.
Finally, there is a special treat in store, as five-times World Champion Etienne Bax has pledged to compete in a one-off reunion with brother Robbie. It’s just down the road for him and it will be a pleasure to see him on-track once again.
Will Lommel spring more surprises? Will the Lielbardis boys hold their nerve?
There’s only one way to find out. Join in person at this famous sand venue, or make sure you catch it on-line on https://page.inplayer.com/fimsidecarcross/
The live stream will bring you all the action from both sidecar qualifying and GP races.
Timetable